Samsung Galaxy A36 - Full phone specifications

The smartphone market is more competitive than ever. With flagship devices pushing past $1,000, many users are turning to mid-range 5G phones that offer premium features at affordable prices. Samsung has always dominated this segment with its Galaxy A-series, and the latest Galaxy A36 5G is no exception.

Launched as the successor to the Galaxy A35 5G, the A36 comes with noticeable upgrades: a brighter 6.7-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, improved durability with Gorilla Glass Victus+, faster 45W charging, and 6 years of OS and security updates. At first glance, it looks like Samsung has hit the sweet spot between affordability and performance. But is it the right phone for you? Let’s dive into a detailed review.

Design and Build Quality

Samsung has given the Galaxy A36 5G a premium look and feel, even though it’s still a mid-range phone. The device features Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection on the front, giving it resilience against scratches and drops. The back panel is made of reinforced plastic, which might feel less luxurious than glass but offers durability and a lightweight feel.

The phone also carries an IP67 rating, meaning it’s dust-tight and water-resistant (can survive up to 1 meter underwater for 30 minutes). This makes it a safe choice for people with an active lifestyle or those prone to accidental spills.

Available in attractive colors like Awesome Lavender, Awesome Graphite, and Awesome Mint, the A36 strikes a balance between style and sturdiness.

Display Features

The Galaxy A36 5G boasts a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 × 2340 pixels) and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Samsung is known for its displays, and the A36 doesn’t disappoint—colors are punchy, blacks are deep, and the brightness reaches impressive levels, making outdoor visibility excellent.

The high refresh rate ensures smoother scrolling, better animations, and an overall premium experience while gaming or watching videos. HDR10+ support also enhances streaming on Netflix and YouTube, offering richer contrast and more vibrant visuals.

For a phone under $400, this display feels flagship-level.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the A36 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, paired with 6GB, 8GB, or 12GB of RAM depending on the variant. Storage options include 128GB or 256GB, though Samsung has removed the microSD slot in many regions.

Performance-wise, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 delivers solid results. Apps open quickly, multitasking is smooth, and casual to moderate gaming runs without lag. While it’s not as powerful as the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it’s more than capable for everyday users who need speed without the high price tag.

Gamers will appreciate the combination of the 120Hz display and efficient cooling system, although extremely heavy games on ultra settings may push the limits of this chipset.

Battery Life and Charging

Samsung continues its trend of equipping A-series devices with 5,000mAh batteries, and the A36 is no exception. This translates into a full day of use for most users, even with heavy social media, streaming, and light gaming.

The real improvement is in charging: the A36 supports 45W wired fast charging, a notable upgrade from the A35’s 25W. In real-world usage, this means you can charge the phone from 0 to 50% in about 25 minutes and reach a full charge in just under an hour.

Wireless charging, however, is not supported—something Samsung keeps exclusive to higher-end models.

Camera System

The Galaxy A36 5G comes with a triple-camera setup on the back:

50MP main wide sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization)
8MP ultra-wide sensor
5MP macro sensor

On the front, you get a 12MP selfie camera.

The 50MP primary lens with OIS is the highlight here, producing sharp and detailed photos even in low light. The ultra-wide camera captures landscapes and group shots well, though its lower resolution means less detail compared to the main camera. The macro lens is more of a bonus feature for close-up photography but won’t blow you away.

The selfie camera is good enough for social media and video calls, offering natural skin tones with AI beauty enhancements available.

Samsung’s camera software adds extra power with features like Object Eraser, Circle to Search, and advanced AI filters, making photography more fun and user-friendly.

Software and Long-Term Support

One of the biggest strengths of the Galaxy A36 5G is Samsung’s update policy. The phone ships with Android 15 running on One UI 7 and promises 6 years of OS upgrades and 6 years of security updates.

This level of support is unmatched in the mid-range category, making the A36 a reliable long-term investment. Many mid-range phones stop receiving updates after 2–3 years, but the A36 ensures you stay secure and up to date for much longer.

One UI 7 is smooth, user-friendly, and customizable, with Samsung’s ecosystem features like Samsung Knox security, SmartThings integration, and Samsung Health baked in.

Connectivity and Extras

The A36 5G comes with:

5G connectivity for faster internet speeds
Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3
Dual SIM and eSIM support
In-display fingerprint scanner
Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support

While it doesn’t support Samsung DeX (reserved for premium models), it still provides all the essentials that modern users expect.

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

Premium AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
Durable build (Gorilla Glass Victus+ & IP67 rating)
Strong performance with Snapdragon 6 Gen 3
50MP OIS camera produces excellent shots
Long software support (6 years OS + security updates)
45W fast charging with 5000mAh battery

❌ Cons

No wireless charging
No expandable storage (no microSD slot)
Plastic frame instead of metal
Mid-range gaming performance, not for hardcore gamers

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G vs Competitors

Vs Samsung Galaxy A35 5G: The A36 offers faster charging, better durability, and longer update support.
Vs iPhone SE 4 (2025): The A36 has a bigger display, better cameras, and longer battery life at a lower cost, though the iPhone offers better raw performance and iOS ecosystem.
Vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro: Xiaomi may offer faster charging and slightly better gaming, but Samsung wins with longer updates and durability.

FAQs about Samsung Galaxy A36 5G

Q1: Does the Galaxy A36 5G support wireless charging?
No, it does not. Only Samsung’s higher-end models like the S-series and Z-series offer wireless charging.

Q2: Is the Galaxy A36 good for gaming?
Yes, it handles casual to moderate gaming well. However, flagship-level gaming phones still outperform it in heavy 3D games.

Q3: Is the Galaxy A36 waterproof?
It has an IP67 rating, meaning it is dust-proof and water-resistant up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

Q4: How long will the Galaxy A36 get updates?
Samsung promises 6 years of OS upgrades and 6 years of security patches, making it one of the best mid-range options for long-term use.

Q5: Does it support expandable storage?
No, Samsung has removed the microSD card slot in the Galaxy A36, so you’ll need to rely on built-in storage.

Q6: What is the price of Galaxy A36 5G?
At launch, the phone is priced around $399 for the base model (6GB/128GB), though regional prices may vary.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is a strong contender in the 2025 mid-range smartphone market. With its premium display, durable design, long-lasting battery, capable cameras, and unmatched software support, it’s an excellent choice for everyday users who want reliability without breaking the bank.

While it doesn’t cater to hardcore gamers or those who demand wireless charging, it delivers a balanced package that will satisfy the majority of users. If you’re looking for a future-proof mid-range phone under $400, the Galaxy A36 5G is one of the best options available.